Quick-change cartridge spool

ABSTRACT

An adapting arbor for use in combination with a spinning reel having a housing, a spindle or shaft mounted within said housing, and means for rotating a line engaging bail device relative to said shaft, with the line engaging means being arranged for axial rotation within said housing. The adapting arbor is arranged for receiving a line spool and consists of a boss with a flange disposed rearwardly of the boss, and is arranged to be universally received along the spindle or shaft of a wide variety of reel devices and is also adapted to receive and releasably retain a line-receiving spool thereon. The boss of the arbor preferably has a keyway along one surface and the flange portion preferably has a locking lug to engage the spool, the spool having a locking key formed along the inner portion of the center sleeve and a lug-receiving bore formed on the rear flange. The outer periphery of the boss has a plurality of pads to engage the interior of the spool, each pad comprising a resilient member protruding from the surface of the boss to provide firm contact with the core of the spool. In addition, drag brake means are provided for mounting along the core of the arbor for controlling relative rotation between the spindle and the line spool.

United States Patent I Lilland et a1.

[. 1 3,693,901 51 Sept. 26, 1972 [54] QUICK-CHANGE CARTRIDGE SPOOL [72]Inventors: Larry L. Lilland; James T. Rumbaugh, both of Spirit Lake,Iowa [73] Assignee: Berkley & Company, Inc., Spirit Lake, Iowa [22]Filed: Nov. 1, 1968 [21] Appl. No.: 778,913

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.727,832, May

9, 1968, abandoned.

[52] US. CL... ..242/84.2 R, 242/129.7 [51] Int. Cl. ..A0lk 89/00 [58]Field of Search ..242/84.2, 84.2 A, 84.2 G,

France ..242/84.2l

Primary Examiner-Billy S. Taylor Attorney-Orrin M. Haugen [5 7] ABSTRACTAn adapting arbor for use in combination with a spinning reel having ahousing, a spindle or shaft mounted within said housing, and means forrotating a line engaging bail device relative to said shaft, with theline engaging means being arranged for axial rotation within saidhousing. The adapting arbor is arranged for receiving a line spool andconsists of a boss with a flange disposed rearwardly of the boss, and isarranged to be universally received along the spindle or shaft of a widevariety of reel devices and is also adapted to receive and releasablyretain a line-receiving spool thereon. The boss of the arbor preferablyhas a keyway along one surface and the flange portion preferably has alocking lug to engage the spool, the spool having a locking key formedalong the inner portion of the center sleeve and a lug-receiving boreformed on the rear flange. The outer periphery of the boss has aplurality of pads to engage the interior of the spool, each padcomprising a resilient member protruding from the surface of the boss toprovide firm contact with the core of the spool. In addition, drag brakemeans are provided for mounting along the core of the arbor forcontrolling relative rotation between the spindle and the line spool.

5 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures QUICK-CHANGE CARTRIDGE SPOOL Thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Ser.No. 727,832, filed May 9, 1968, now abandoned.

The present invention relates generally to spinning reels, and moreparticularly to means for use in combination with a variety of spinningreels for adapting the reel for a ready interchange of line-receivingspools. Specifically, an adaptor in the form of an arbor having acentral boss or hub and a flange is provided for frictional engagementwith a drag brake mechanism which is preferably arranged in a boreformed in the interior of the boss, the exterior of the boss beingprovided with means to receive and retain a line-receiving spool incoaxial disposition thereon.

Spinning reels are utilized in a number of fishing environments. Onefeature of the spinning reel is its versatility and adaptability for avariety of fishing situations. For example, a single spinning reelstructural design will permit its use for fishing pan fish as well asfor fishing larger varieties of fish. The fisherman normally adjusts hisline in accordance with the immediate fishing situation, and willordinarily utilize a line weight which is as light as reasonablypossible consistent with the variety of species of fish he is seeking.Therefore, as the fisherman changes his immediate fishing situation, hewill wish to be able to change his line as well. The versatility of thepresent spinning reels does not extend to a line interchange situation,and hence the individual desiring to change lines may necessarily berequired to substantially dismantle his spinning reel, or otherwiseengage in time consuming operations to accomplish a change in the typeof line spooled upon the reel.

In the dispensing of line, it is the current practice to vend line on anordinary disposable spool, and this line is normally spooled upon thereel by the purchasing fisherman as required. Because of thedifficulties inherent in this operation, the ordinary fisherman willgenerally prefer to obtain a single line with a strength or weight whichis consistent with the heaviest duty expected. In accordance with thepresent invention, however, the line is dispensed and sold on a spoolstructure wherein the spool is arranged to be received on an adaptingarbor which is in turn designed to be mounted on a variety of reelswithout drastically modifying either the reel or the adaptor. Therefore,after the adaptor is mounted on a reel, the line may be changed quickly,simply, and readily, without requiring any disassembly of the reelassembly or structure. The spool utilized to carry the line is providedwith forward and rear flanges spaced apart by an axial sleeve or core,all of the line contacting surfaces being smooth, regular, and free ofprojections or indentions which could reasonably interfere with thewinding of the line. Furthermore, the outer periphery of the flangeportion of the adapting arbor has an overhanging lip which encompassesand confines the rear plate or flange of the spool, this structurepreventing the line from entering the space between the rear surface ofthe rear flange of the spool and the forward surface of the flange ofthe adapting arbor.

In accordance with the present invention, a spinning reel is providedhaving a unique'capability for a ready interchange of line, thecapability being consistent with a minimum disassembly effort, alongwith a maximum degree of stability for the structure when it isassembled and ready for use. Briefly, the present invention provides anadapting arbor for removably mounting and releasably retaining aline-receiving spool coaxially thereon, the arbor being provided with aboss portion and a flange portion, each'preferably having means forlockingly engaging the spool against relative rotation with the adaptingarbor. Means are also provided along the boss or hub of the adaptingarbor for frictionally engaging the inner periphery of a line engagingspool and thereby hold said spool in proper axial disposition along theadapting arbor. The boss or hub of the arbor structure is arranged sothat a line engaging spool may be readily mounted'thereon withoutnecessitating any prior disassembly of any portion of the reelstructure.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved spinning reel structure wherein adapting arbor means areprovided for mounting along the central shaft of a spinning reel, theadapting arbor being arranged to provide a ready interchange oflinereceiving spools.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improvedline spool receiving adapting arbor for mounting on a spinning reelstructure, the arbor having a boss or hub means thereon adapted to holda line-receiving spool and to lock the spool against axial relativerotation with the arbor, the arbor being further provided with means forfrictionally resisting axial rotation of the adapting arbor relative tothe spinning reel shaft.

Other and further objects of the present invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon a I study of the followingspecification, appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the adaptor unit of thepresent invention as being mounted on a conventional fishing rod;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the components of the reel inexploded disposition, certain of the components'being partially brokenaway to illustrate internal features;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of an adapting arbor fabricated inaccordance with the present invention, the arbor receiving shaft of thereel being shown in exploded disposition, this view being taken alongthe line and in the direction of the arrows 33 of FIG. 4 and beingslightly reduced in scale;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of an adapting arbor device preparedin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a detail vertical sectional view partially broken away of theadapting arbor shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but with a modified form of dragmechanism being shown;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 and illustrating still a furthermodification of adapting arbor and brake and click mechanism; and

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, and illustrating a stillfurther modified form of the present invention.

In accordance with the preferred modification of the present invention,the spinning reel generally designated 10 has a main housing 11 to whichis attached the crank handle 12 and the spooling assembly showngenerally at 13. The main housing 11 includes a bracket member 14 whichterminates in a shoe 15 for mounting to the fishing rod shown generallyat 16. Conventional attaching means such as the clamps 17 and 18 may beutilized to lockingly engage the extensions of the shoe to clamp thereel 10 on to the rod 16.

The operational features of the drive mechanism for the reel 10 areconventional. For example, as is illustrated in FIG. 2, the crank handle12 is coupled to a drive gear 20 which .meshes with the pinion 21,pinion 21 being secured or coupled at its opposite end to the spool cap22. Also, as indicated in FIG. 2, pinion 21 is disposed coaxially withand about the shaft 23, shaft 23 being adapted to reciprocably oscillateduring rotation of drive gear 20. On the inner face of drive gear 20, aneccentrically disposed dog is disposed as at 25, this dog engaging aslide guide member which is coupled to the shaft 23, and provides forthe reciprocable oscillation thereof. Within the spool cap 22, and alongthe axial extent of shaft 23, a base collar 27 is disposed, base collar27 having a friction washer such asthe fiber washer 28 disposed adjacentthereto. The pinion nut 30 along with appropriate washers, couple thepinion gear 21 to the spool cap 22, and thus provide for rotation of thecap 22 together with simultaneous reciprocable oscillation of the shaft23. As is conventional in spinning reels, the spool cap 22 is providedwith a bail arm 32, bail arm 32 being coupled to spool cap 22 byappropriate means. The bail arm is adapted for pivotal rotation aboutits center axis, a bail hinge member 34 being provided to permit thebail arm 32 to be selectively disposed in either operational orretracted disposition. The bail arm 32 is provided with a notch as at 35to permit engagement with a locking link or dog arm mechanism. Suitablehubs are provided in the spool cap 22, when required.

Turning now to the spool retaining portion of the device, an adaptingarbor generally designated 36 is provided having a boss portion 37 and arear flange 38, the boss portion 37 is adapted to receive spool 39coaxially thereon. The drag adjusting knob 40 is utilized to control thefrictional drag on the combined adaptor 36 and spool 39.

Turning now to the details of the adapting arbor 36, the boss portion 37has a bore extending therethrough with a forward counterbore area inwhich there is disposed a frictional felt washer or washers 41, pressureplate 42 being utilized to apply axial compressional force to thewashers 41 by virtue of the axial disposition of the threadedlyadjustable drag adjusting knob 40. As can be readily ascertained, theaxial disposition of drag adjusting knob 40 upon the threaded portion ofshaft 23 will determine the compressional force applied to the feltwasher or washers 41. In order to retain the drag system intact, a dragwasher locking means such as locking spring 44 is utilized in a flangedtermination of the internal bore within arbor 37. Obviously a variety ofdrag or brake systems may be utilized consistent with conventional reeldesign. These systems may also include or utilize the rear surface offlange 38 as a force applying surface or a frictional surface. Plate 42is provided with a pair of parallelly arranged flat portions in thecentral opening formed therein, these flat portions being adapted toengage the corresponding flat portions 46-46 which are arranged alongthe axial extent of lug 47.

Turning now to the details of the design of the adaptor 36, the plate 38is provided with a protruding lug 50 which is adapted to engage the port51 which is formed in the rear flange 52 of spool 39. Port 51 provides aconvenient line tying zone for winding the end of the line therethroughand thereafter tying the end for retention. Rear flange 52 of spool 39is adapted to be received within the confines of the edge lip 53 whichis disposed on the periphery of plate 38, lip 53 having an axial heightwhich is capable of enveloping a substantial portion of the axialthickness of flange 52. The lug 50, when engaged in the port 51,prevents relative rotation of the spool 39 on the arbor 37. The core 55of spool 39 is adapted to be received on the outer periphery of the bossportion of adapting arbor 37. A plurality of resilient lugs, such aslugs 56 and 57 being utilized to frictionally engage the interior ofspool core 55 to prevent axial movement or displacement of the spool 39when mounted upon the adapting adaptor 36. Preferably, three or more ofthese resilient lugs are provided, and when three are available, axialbinding occurs to limit or prevent undesired axial slipping or shiftingof the spool on the adapting arbor.

As a further means for resisting uncontrolled axial rotation of thespool 39 relative to the boss portion 37 of the adapting arbor 36, a keyis formed along the interior of the sleeve portion or core 55 of thespool 39, this key being shown at 58. A matching keyway 59 is formedwithin the outer periphery of the boss portion 37 of adapting arbor 36.This key-keywaycombination provides for ready location of the lockinglug 50 with port 51, and thereby permits mounting of a line spool on theadapting arbor under poor light conditions. It is generally preferableto mount the key portion on the spool since the formation of a keyway inthe sleeve or core portion of the spool may tend to mechanically weakenthe spool.

While various materials of construction may be utilized for adaptingarbor 36 and spool 39, it has been found that a reasonably rigid durablematerial such as ABS molding composition may be utilized. This materialis, of course, commercially available. Adapting arbor 36 mayalternatively be metallic.

In order to provide a constant extent of fill of line upon spool 39, asillustrated in FIG. 2, the radial thickness of core 55 may be varied asrequired. Thus, regardless of the diameter of the line spooled uponspool 39, a constant radial extent of fill may be achieved and obtained.

The forward or free end of arbor 37 is preferably tapered in order tobetter accommodate the mounting of spool 39 upon arbor 37. The spool 39is adapted to be disposed against the forward surface of plate 38,thereby permitting lip 53 to envelope a substantial portion of flange 52of spool 39. This arrangement substantially eliminates any danger ofline being fouled between the rear surface of flange 52 and the forwardsurface of plate 38.

The bore 51 is disposed adjacent the outer circumference of flange 52.This disposition provides for a more convenient tying aid, consistentwith the locking requirements and over-all strength of the system.

The flanges of spool 39 have relatively smooth lip surfaces. This isnecessary in order to eliminate any danger of abrasion of the line beingplayed out from or being wound upon spool 39. In addition, the innerdiameter of the core 55 is in excess of the extent of the outer diameterof drag adjusting knob 40, thereby permitting the removal or mounting ofspool 39 without necessitating a change in the drag adjustment.

While the dimensions of the spool and adapting arbor system are notcritical, it is generally preferred that the inner bore of the sleeveportion 55 of the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 be in the range of about1.25 inches. This provides for reasonable line filling capabilities, andalso for compatible drag adjustment systems. Therefore, the lower limitof the dimension of the core or sleeve portion of the spool is thatcertain dimension wherein the internal surface will just contact, meetor equal the outer diameter of the boss portion of the adapting arbor. Aconvenient diameter is 1.240 inches, and reasonable tolerance levelspermit a reduction to about 1.220 inches, this being the diameter of theboss portion of the adapting arbor 36. On the other hand, the upperlimit for the diameter of the sleeve portion 55 for the spool 39 is thatcertain diameter where the inner periphery of the spool makes initialcontact with the resilient or elastomeric lugs extending or protrudingfrom the outer peripheral surface of the boss portion 37 of the adaptingarbor 36. For general purposes, and for most materials which have beenfound usable, this diameter may be in the range of about 1.312 inchesfor the system described hereinabove. While these dimensions are notcritical to the operation of the system, they have been found to beconvenient in designing this structure. The various fresh-water spinningreels which are in use at the present time utilize an axial throw in thelevel wind mechanism of between about 0.375 and 0.660 inches, with theaverage being in the range of about 0.5 inches. Thus, with a view towardproviding universal adaptability, the spools being utilized have aninner line receiving core with an axial dimension of about 0.75 inches.This dimension is adequate to permit universal adaptability, withoutrestricting the winding capabilities of the reels upon which thisassembly is mounted.

Turning now to FIG. 3 of the drawings, the adapting arbor generallydesignated 60 includes a boss or hub portion 61 together with a rearflange portion 62. The operation of this device is substantiallyidentical to that device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, howeverthis view shows the intemal structure in greater detail. In thisconnection, the boss or hub portion is provided with a bore receiving aplug element 63, the plug element preferably being adhesively bonded tothe internal surface of the bore formed in boss 61. The axis of plug 63is provided with a bore 65 extending therethrough, bore 65 being capableof receiving the spinning reel shaft 66 therewithin. In order to renderthis structure more universally adaptable, a variety of plug members 63may be made available, each with its individual dimensions includingdiameter of bore 65 and axial length. The forward surface of plug 63 isin contact with a pair of felt washers 6767, the metallic pressure plate68 being in surface-to-surface contact with the washers 67. A retainingflange 69 is shown at the forward end of the boss or hub portion 61 forretaining the drag washers 67--67 in place. A drag adjusting knob will,of course, be arranged to make contact with the pressure plate 68.

The plug 63 is provided with a plurality of radially disposed bores70-70 for a purpose made manifest hereinafter. In the apparatus shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, however, one bore as at 71 is formed with a smallerdiameter, and is shown with a screw 72 therein, screw 72 retaining wire73 which forms a part of the click mechanism. Upon achieving relativerotation between the member 60 and the shaft 66, the wire 73 will engageindividual teeth formed on the gear 74 and will generate an audibleclick to warn the user of this relative rotation.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 5 of the drawings wherein a modifiedform of adapting arbor is shown. This adapting arbor generallydesignated 80 includes a boss or hub 81 together with a flange 82, boss81 having a core member 83 adhesively bonded therein. Core 83 isprovided with a central shaft receiving bore 84 which receives shaft 85in operative relationship therewithin. The resilient washer 86 isarranged to be in surface-to-surface contact with the pressure plate 87,pressure plate 87 being arranged to contact drag adjustment knob 88.Other features of this adapting arbor, including the resilient lugs 57are essentially the same as those shown in the devices of FIGS. l-4.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 6 of the drawing wherein a stillfurther modified form of adapting arbor is shown, this form beinggenerally designated 90 and including a boss or hub portion 91 togetherwith a flange 92. Boss 91 carrying coaxially thereon a lug carrying ring91a. Such a lug carrying ring enhances the versatility of the structureby permitting greater tolerances in the core diameter of the linereceiving spool, and of the hub portion. A bore is formed in the centerof the core 91, such as at 93, shaft 94 being retained within bore 93,and carrying knob adjusting screw 95 at the free end thereof. The shaft94 further is provided with a plate 96, plate 96 carrying wire prongmember 97 thereon. The wire prong member 97 engages the individual bores98-98 which are formed similar to the bores 70 illustrated in connectionwith the device of FIGS. 3 and 4. The friction for the drag in thissystem is provided between the surface of the knob and the front of bossor hub 91, as at 99, and the forwardly disposed surface of plate 96.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 7 of the drawing where a still furthermodification is illustrated, this modification being shown generally at100. This unit is comprised of a boss or hub portion 101 together with aflange portion 102. The structure is generally similar to that shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, with the exception of the retaining meansfor the spool, this retaining means being in the form of a pair ofaxially spaced 0 rings 103 and 104. This adapting arbor is mounted onshaft 105, drag adjusting knob 106 being utilized to operate the dragadjusting means shown as at 107.

While this line loading concept has been shown in connection with anopen-face spinning reel, it will, of

course, be understood that a similar concept may be employed withclosed-face or modified open-face v spinning reels such as are in usetoday. Furthermore,

adaptor 36 may be made compatible with other reel structures, theessential requirement being that plate 42 be compatible with the dragmember 47.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination with a spinning reel having a housing, a shaft mountedwithin said housing, means for rotating a line engaging means relativeto said shaft;

a. adapting arbor means arranged to be disposed along said shaft forretaining a line receiving spool coaxially thereon, said adapting arborhaving a spool receiving boss portion with a flange portion along therear thereof, said flange having a locking lug projecting forwardlytherefrom, said line receiving spool having front and rear flangesspaced apart by a central core sleeve, the rear flange having a lugreceiving bore formed therein for receiving said lug in lockedengagement for preventing axial rotation relative to said arbor, and thecentral core sleeve having a key formed axially along the inner surfacethereof,

b. drag means along said adapting arbor for frictionally engaging asurface of said arbor to provide a means to adjustably resist axialrotation of said arbor relative to said shaft,

c. the outer periphery of said boss having a keyway for receiving thekey formed on said spool, and at least one generally axially extendinggroove formed along the outer surface thereof for receiving a resilientspool engaging pad therein, the radial height of said resilient padbeing greater than the depth of said groove, the arrangement being suchthat a line receiving spool disposed along said arbor sleeve engagessaid resilient pad for axial retention of said spool along said boss.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 being particularlycharacterized in that the lug receiving bore formed in said rear spoolflange is disposed adjacent the outer circumference of said rear flange.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 being particularlycharacterized in that the flange portion of the adapting arbor has anouter lip disposed therealong, the axial extent of said lip beingsubstantially equal to the axial thickness of the rear flange of saidspool.

4. The combination as set forth in claim 1 being particularlycharacterized in that the locking lug on said flange has a heightsubstantially equal to the axial thickness of the rear flange of thespool.

5. In combination with a line spool receiving adapting arbor forspinning reels having drag means arranged for resisting rotation of saidadapting arbor and locking means for engaging said spool to preventrelative rotation between said spool and said adapting arbor, andresilient means disposed along said arbor for resisting uncontrolledaxial displacement of said spool relative to said arbor;

a. a line receiving spool having a central core sleeve for mounting onsaid adaptor and having from and rear annular flanges coupled to saidcore sleeve; said spool having means for engaging said locking meansformed along an adapting arbor contacting surface thereof; and

. said adaptor being provided with a core receiving bore along thecentral axis thereof, and a plug is adhesively bonded within said bore,said plug having a central bore formed therein for mounting saidadapting arbor on to a reel shaft.

1. In combination with a spinning reel having a housing, a shaft mountedwithin said housing, means for rotating a line engaging means relativeto said shaft; a. adapting arbor means arranged to be disposed alongsaid shaft for retaining a line receiving spool coaxially thereon, saidadapting arbor having a spool receiving boss portion with a flangeportion along the rear thereof, said flange having a locking lugprojecting forwardly therefrom, said line receiving spool having frontand rear flanges spaced apart by a central core sleeve, the rear flangehaving a lug receiving bore formed therein for receiving said lug inlocked engagement for preventing axial rotation relative to said arbor,and the central core sleeve having a key formed axially along the innersurface thereof, b. drag means along said adapting arbor forfrictionally engaging a surface of said arbor to provide a means toadjustably resist axial rotation of said arbor relative to said shaft,c. the outer periphery of said boss having a keyway for receiving thekey formed on said spool, and at least one generally axially extendinggroove formed along the outer surface thereof for receiving a resilientspool engaging pad therein, the radial height of said resilient padbeing greater than the depth of said groove, the arrangement being suchthat a line receiving spool disposed along said arbor sleeve engagessaid resilient pad for axial retention of said spool along said boss. 2.The combination as set forth in claim 1 being particUlarly characterizedin that the lug receiving bore formed in said rear spool flange isdisposed adjacent the outer circumference of said rear flange.
 3. Thecombination as set forth in claim 1 being particularly characterized inthat the flange portion of the adapting arbor has an outer lip disposedtherealong, the axial extent of said lip being substantially equal tothe axial thickness of the rear flange of said spool.
 4. The combinationas set forth in claim 1 being particularly characterized in that thelocking lug on said flange has a height substantially equal to the axialthickness of the rear flange of the spool.
 5. In combination with a linespool receiving adapting arbor for spinning reels having drag meansarranged for resisting rotation of said adapting arbor and locking meansfor engaging said spool to prevent relative rotation between said spooland said adapting arbor, and resilient means disposed along said arborfor resisting uncontrolled axial displacement of said spool relative tosaid arbor; a. a line receiving spool having a central core sleeve formounting on said adaptor and having front and rear annular flangescoupled to said core sleeve; said spool having means for engaging saidlocking means formed along an adapting arbor contacting surface thereof;and b. said adaptor being provided with a core receiving bore along thecentral axis thereof, and a plug is adhesively bonded within said bore,said plug having a central bore formed therein for mounting saidadapting arbor on to a reel shaft.